RANCHI: As soon as the news of JMM chief Shibu Soren's acquittal trickled in, Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda announced that he would vacate his chair if the UPA decides to put the "desum guru" in his place.

"I am happy with the acquittal of Guruji. This will strengthen the UPA even more," Koda told reporters. JMM is one of the mainstays of the UPA government in the state. "Shibu Soren had been pleading innocence and has finally got justice," Koda said.

Celebrations apart, Soren's return could lead to significant changes in existing political scenario in Jharkhand. Political pundits say it is possible that both JMM and Congress will demand that Soren be made CM.

This is because Koda is already in trouble, with Opposition continuing to heap charges of corruption against him and his ministerial colleagues. All this has made political survival difficult for Koda.

Even on Wednesday, the day Soren was acquitted, the assembly was adjourned indefinitely after the Opposition, led by Arjun Munda, stalled the proceedings over Koda's alleged proximity to one Vinod Singh, who allegedly became a millionaire after Koda became CM.

Sources in the UPA say Soren, who was Union coal minister when he was convicted in 2006, may demand the CM's post this time. However, Koda's press advisor Sandeep Verma rejected this as idle speculation.